45 miles: Gem Lake Trail, Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

On February 16, 2020March 14, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Saturday, February 15, 2020

Miles: 3.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1017 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 2 hr total

Type: Day hike from Denver (1 hr 20 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/gem-lake-trail

Notes:

The mountains and the front range are expected to get hit with more snow Sunday though Monday, so we tried to do a big hike today at Rocky Mountain National Park. Our original plan was to complete the ten mile Lumpy Ridge Loop, off of the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. Unfortunately we ended up stopping a little past Gem Lake, due to deep snow.

The trail to Gem Lake is short but steep, climbing altitude steadily through the canyon. The path was completely covered in packed snow and ice, requiring micro-spikes. Gem Lake was completely frozen and we had it to ourselves at 10 AM on a Saturday. Once we passed the lake, the trail became lost within the first .2 miles— completely covered by drifting snow. We brought our snow shoes, but the snow was quickly too deep for those as well. We turned around.

41.1 miles: Fountain Valley Loop Trail, Roxborough State Park, CO

On February 15, 2020February 16, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Friday, February 14, 2020 ❤️

Miles: 2.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 292 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hr total

Type: Day hike from Denver (50 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/fountain-valley-loop-trail

Notes:

Travis and I spent Valentine’s Day afternoon hiking at Roxborough State Park, located south of Littleton. Normally the park requires a $8 daily pass, but we purchased an annual state park pass.

We parked at the lower trailhead, and walked up the the trailhead on the paved sidewalk, leading up to the Visitors Center. The trail was snow packed from the storm, this past week, although traction wasn’t required. We completed the loop clockwise. Within the first half mile, there is an overlook for Fountain Valley, featuring a panoramic view of the red rock formations. From there, we descended along the red rocks to the historical site, before heading back toward the trailhead. We only passed one other person and saw plenty of deer!

38.6 miles: East Inlet Trail (partial), Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, CO

On February 3, 2020February 16, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2020

Miles: 5.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 758 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Time: 3 hr total

Type: Snowshoe Hike (2 hr from Denver)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/east-inlet-trail-to-lone-pine-lake

Notes:

Travis had a birthday this past weekend! The weather looked great, so last minute we decided to head up to Grand Lake for the weekend. As a birthday gift, I got us some lightweight snow shoes to expand our winter adventures! Saturday we drove to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and tried out our shoes at the East Inlet Trailhead. At 9 AM, we were the only car in the lot and had the trail to ourselves– we love the west side!

Turns out snowshoeing is a lot harder than you would think, even after purchasing a light weight version of shoes. We doubled our usual hiking time, but enjoyed the peaceful trail and trying new things. I will probably post my first gear review on the shoes later this week!

We set out on this trail without a destination and enjoyed the almost six miles of winter wonderland! The trail had packed snow, so conditions would have been fine using mico-spikes. The first half mile took us to Adams Falls, which was completely covered with snow and ice. From there, we took the East Inlet Trail towards Lone Pine Lake, passing by frozen creeks and meadows. The trail had mild elevation gain and was easy to follow. I definitely want to come back after the snow thaw and make it to the lake!

*Uphill is a lot more difficult in snow shoes*

*Birthday boy modeling his new snow shoes*

32.7 miles: Evergreen Mountain via East Trail, Aderfer / Three Sisters Park, Evergreen, CO

On January 26, 2020February 16, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Sunday, January 26, 2020

Miles: 6.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 1109 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 2 hr 15 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (45 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/evergreen-mountain-via-east-and-west-trail-loop

Notes:

It feels great to be back doing longer hikes! We had great weather again today, so Travis and I made a quick trip to hike in Evergreen. I really enjoy hiking in JeffCo Open Space parks— they are free, well maintained, and rarely crowded if you go early. Three Sisters is accessible year round, and features beautiful views of Mount Evans while being close to Denver.

We parked at the main trailhead then took the connector across the street to the start of the trail. Within a half mile, the trail forks left, following signs to Evergreen Mountain East Trail. Shortly after this junction, micro spikes are required for the rest of the hike. The trail has about the same elevation grade the entire time. When we got to the top, we avoided the scenic overlook and instead opt for the trail top loop. I did the scenic overlook last time I did this hike from the west trail, and I thought it was underwhelming. The trail top loop is a little under a half mile and features beautiful views of Mount Evans.

Most of the trail was covered in snow and ice

26.4 miles: Nighthawk Trail, Hall Ranch Open Space, Lyons, CO

On January 26, 2020February 14, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2020

Miles: 8.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1509 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 3 hr 15 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (50 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/nighthawk-trail

Notes:

Nighthawk Trail is finally open! The last few months Trav and I have wanted to hike this trail, but it’s been closed due to muddy conditions. This morning we met up with some friends at Hall Ranch Open Space, just under an hour from Denver, in Lyons.

The trail starts from the upper trailhead parking lot, snaking left at the junction with Bitterbrush Trail. The trail had a few patches of mud, but was otherwise clear and accessible. We did not have to use any microspikes. The elevation gain is spread out throughout the hike, with only two sections that felt steep. We passed several herds of deer this morning. The top features a beautiful view of Longs Peak!